FORT MYERS, Fla. — The taste of championship champagne still drives Nick Punto. After winning the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals last season, the utility man is craving for more.
He’ll restart that pursuit with the Red Sox. With Marco Scutaro and Jed Lowrie donning new uniforms, the 34-year-old will have a chance to compete for the starting job at shortstop.
“Since the day I signed, I’ve been waiting for this day,” Punto said. “My season ended pretty well winning the World Series. I want to do that again. I have that taste in my mouth, and I’d like to do that every year.”
Punto doesn’t have a penchant for power, hitting just 14 homers in his 11-year career and one round-tripper in 2011. But he flashes consistency with the leather, tallying a lifetime .974 fielding percentage at shortstop.
He will primarily duel with Mike Aviles for the starting nod. As good friends from their days in the American League Central division — Aviles with the Royals, Punto with the Twins –- Punto is excited about the reunion.
“I know Mike, I’ve played against Mike, I respect Mike,” Punto said. “It doesn’t need to be looked at like that – it is competition. I’m looking forward to just playing baseball.”
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